The Office of the President has confirmed the discontinuation of the expired contract between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, following a petition by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.
In a letter dated June 11, 2025, Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama stated that the contract will not be renewed, and all post-expiration payments to Zoomlion will be audited. Unauthorized payments will be recovered, signaling a crackdown on irregularities in the sanitation sector.
To ensure transparency, the government has directed that future sanitation contracts undergo competitive procurement at regional or district levels, rather than through a single national agreement. A Cabinet subcommittee will oversee this transition, aiming to reduce costs and encourage innovation through competitive bidding.
Additionally, the administration plans to increase sweeper fees to provide a more livable income for workers, leveraging expected savings from the new procurement model.
The reforms also extend to fumigation contracts, with unsatisfactory agreements set for review and potential termination upon legal advice. The move underscores the government’s commitment to accountability and efficiency in public service contracts.
Copies of the directive were sent to the Vice President and the Chief of Staff, emphasizing high-level oversight of the process. These changes mark a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to sanitation and youth employment initiatives.
